17750, Mackeyville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17750, Mackeyville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17750 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Lock Haven with a distance of 5.43 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mackeyville (ZIP Code 17750)

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not just about the medical expertise available; it's also about the practicalities of accessing it. This "Breast Cancer Score" for Mackeyville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17750), evaluates the transportation landscape, offering insights for residents and those considering a move, particularly concerning healthcare access.

Mackeyville, a small community nestled in Clinton County, presents unique transportation challenges. The availability of options directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, treatments, and ongoing care. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a picture of the realities of accessing healthcare within and beyond the region.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Understanding drive times to key healthcare facilities is crucial. The closest major medical center is UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, approximately 25 miles east of Mackeyville. The primary route involves taking **PA-120 East** to **US-220 South**. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes around 35-45 minutes. However, traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly extend this time.

Further afield, the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional hub for specialized care, is about 70 miles away. This journey requires navigating **PA-120 East** to **I-80 East**, then taking **PA-54 East**. The drive typically takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes. This longer distance necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments or treatments.

Smaller, local clinics and physician offices are available in nearby towns like Lock Haven, which is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via **PA-120 West**. These facilities may offer basic primary care and some specialized services, reducing the need for long-distance travel for routine check-ups. However, for comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, patients often need to travel to the larger medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Mackeyville are extremely limited. The River Valley TransitValley Transit Authority (RVTA) serves the Williamsport area, but its reach into Mackeyville is minimal. There are no direct bus routes connecting Mackeyville to Williamsport or other healthcare destinations. This severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

The RVTA offers limited ADA-accessible services, including lift-equipped buses and paratransit options. However, the availability of these services in Mackeyville is even more restricted, requiring advance booking and potentially longer travel times. Patients relying on public transit for healthcare access in Mackeyville face significant challenges, including the need to arrange for rides to and from bus stops, and the potential for long wait times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Williamsport area, but their presence in Mackeyville is less reliable. The availability of drivers can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Patients relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access need to plan well in advance and factor in potential delays.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized options for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs. Ambulance services are readily available in emergencies, but NEMT services, which transport patients to appointments, may have limited availability in Mackeyville. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare are common NEMT providers, but their service areas and coverage vary. Patients must contact these providers directly to determine availability and eligibility.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

Considering the transportation landscape, Mackeyville receives a moderate Breast Cancer Score. The availability of personal vehicles is the primary advantage, allowing residents to reach healthcare facilities within a reasonable drive time. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the restricted availability of medical transport create significant challenges for many patients.

For individuals considering moving to Mackeyville, healthcare access should be a key consideration. The score highlights the need for careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles. Residents may need to factor in longer travel times, especially for specialized care. The community could benefit from initiatives to improve transportation options, such as expanding public transit routes or partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure reliable access to healthcare.

**Improving Healthcare Access: A Call to Action**

Addressing the transportation challenges in Mackeyville is crucial for improving healthcare access. This could involve advocating for expanded public transit routes, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, and promoting the availability of medical transport options. Furthermore, supporting initiatives that provide transportation assistance to patients in need, such as volunteer driver programs or subsidized transportation services, could significantly improve the lives of those facing breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a starting point for a more comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access in Mackeyville. It underscores the importance of considering transportation as an integral part of the healthcare journey. By understanding the challenges and working collaboratively to find solutions, the community can strive to ensure that all residents have access to the care they need, when they need it. This includes a focus on the specific needs of breast cancer patients, ensuring they can navigate the transportation hurdles and focus on their health and well-being.